In an effort to improve the experience for student bodies attending the IHSA Boys Basketball State Finals, the IHSA has announced seating changes effective for the 2018 IHSA Boys Basketball State Finals at the Peoria Civic Center.

The endzone seating behind each basket inside Carver Arena will now be become general admission seats, with the expectation that competing schools will have their student sections occupy those seats.

"Supporting your classmates at the state tournament is a huge part of the tradition of IHSA sports, especially at America’s Original March Madness," said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. "We have made some changes the past few years in an attempt to improve the student section fan experience at state basketball and believe this new seating setup will be well-received."

The change will impact some season-ticket holders in the endzone seating sections, who have been offered season tickets in other locations of the lower bowl for the same price as their old tickets.

“Not only will this change improve the experience of the student sections and the energy in the arena as a whole, but we also believe that we can offer those season ticket holders who have been moved an even better seat and vantage point,” said Anderson.

A letter explaining the changes and new ticket options was mailed out to season-ticket holders on October 27, 2017.